We’ve Got Issues Interview – Laura Dupont (President of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association and Port Coquitlam City Councillor) We’ve Got Issues hosts Brad Nickason and Nancy Furness interview Port Coquitlam City Councillor Laura Dupont about her leadership role as the President of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA).

The LMLGA represents five geographical areas of BC including 30 local governments from Pemberton to Hope, and three regional districts including Squamish-Lillooet, Metro Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley.

Laura Dupont was elected by her peers to this meaningful volunteer position. As President of the LMLGA, she also has a seat on the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) which consists of all local governments in BC. Policy proposed at the LMLGA level goes to the UBCM where it can be supported and put forward to the Provincial Government for consideration. Individual communities benefit in belonging to the LMLGA by having a unified voice.

Communities can opt out, but traditionally choose to participate in the LMLGA and UBCM to ensure their voices are heard. The LMLGA deals with a diversity of issues including climate security, food security, reconciliation, housing issues or any other issue under municipal jurisdiction. For example, Laura successfully proposed policy to support flood infrastructure upgrades to allow fish-friendly passage in local salmon-bearing creeks.

The LMLGA also works together on area climate action strategies which are being strongly supported at the UBCM level. Conflicting needs to different regions in BC are dealt with together at the UBCM.

Corporate sponsorship of LMLGA conventions exists due to limited resources. Laura also participates in the Indigenous Relations committee working with the Province to clarify reconciliation expectations around UNDRIP and DRIPA, and the Health and Development Committee to promote community health and disease prevention.